Written Answers Friday 16 October 2009

Scottish Executive

Livestock

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-27597 by Richard Lochhead on 1 October 2009, what work has been done to appraise the potential benefit of deer farming to rural industry, in light of the level of imported farmed venison from New Zealand.

Richard Lochhead: The government recognises the valuable contribution that deer farming can make to the rural economy. We support the work of the Scottish Venison Working Group, which is currently promoting Scottish venison to consumers across the UK.

  My officials are also working closely with the working group, to consider what funding options might be available to support the sector to maximise the opportunities provided by the framework set out in the National Food and Drink Policy.